The Sphere, the Screen, and the Square: "Locating" Occupy in the Public Sphere

In this essay, I argue that considerations of public space are vital to scholars' theorizing of the public sphere. Discursive interactions, media spectacles, and social media use are all integral to social movement success, but an understanding of their interdependence with physical spaces is also essential to the maintenance of democratic participation. "Locating" Occupy in the public sphere through an exploration of its simultaneous occupation of public squares and public screens reveals the importance of public spaces in maintaining public spheres.